Engineering Commons^™

Energy Efficiency In Data Collection Wireless Sensor Networks, Miquel Andres Navarro Patino

Open Access Dissertations

This dissertation studies the problem of energy efficiency in resource constrained and heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for data collection applications in real-world scenarios. The problem is addressed from three different perspectives: network routing, node energy profiles, and network management. First, the energy efficiency in a WSN is formulated as a load balancing problem, where the routing layer can diagnose and exploit the WSN topology redundancy to reduce the data traffic processed in critical nodes, independent of their hardware platform, improving their energy consumption and extending the network lifetime. We propose a new routing strategy that extends traditional cost-based routing …

Direct Drug Screening And Lipid Profiling Using Ambient Mass Spectrometry, Yuan Su

Open Access Dissertations

Mass spectrometry (MS) stands in an outstanding position in analysis of biological specimens owing to its abundant structural information, high accuracy, incomparable sensitivity, high speed, and the large variety of its applications. The ion source, an instrumental part for converting the analyte into ions, has played an important role in analyzing biological specimens by MS. However, the performance of conventional spray-based ionization methods always suffers from chemical interferences derived from complex biological matrices. A series of sample extraction, purification, and separation steps is required before the ionization, so as to ensure excellent performance of MS analysis. In order to simplify …

Advancing Multiple Model-Based Control Of Complex Biological Systems: Applications In T Cell Biology, Jeffrey P. Perley

Open Access Dissertations

Activated CD4+ T cells are important regulators of the adaptive immune response against invading pathogens and cancerous host cells. The process of activation is mediated by the T cell receptor and a vast network of intracellular signal transduction pathways, which recognize and interpret antigenic signals to determine the cell's response. The critical role of these early signaling events in normal cell function and the pathogenesis of disease ultimately make them attractive therapeutic targets for numerous autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Scientists increasingly rely on predictive mathematical models and control-theoretic tools to design effective strategies to manipulate cellular processes for the advancement …

Characterization Of Pool Boiling Heat Transfer From Porous-Coating-Enhanced Surfaces, Suchismita Sarangi

Open Access Dissertations

Development of techniques for enhancement and optimization of thermal management technologies has been a highly active area of research in recent decades in response to the rapid emergence of compact, high-power electronic systems. Immersion cooling by boiling is one of the preferred methods for high power density applications, due to its passive nature and high heat transfer coefficients obtained. Pool boiling heat transfer has been extensively studied in recent decades to understand the inherent mechanisms yielding the high heat transfer rates, as well as to further enhance the heat transfer by simple modifications or additions to existing approaches. This thesis …

A Dgtd Scheme For Modeling The Radiated Emission From Duts In Shielding Enclosures Using Near Electric Field Only, Ping Li, Yifei Shi, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang, Hakan Baǧci

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

To meet the electromagnetic interference regulation, the radiated emission from device under test such as electronic devices must be carefully manipulated and accurately characterized. Instead of resorting to the direct far-field measurement, in this paper, a novel approach is proposed to model the radiated emission from electronic devices placed in shielding enclosures by using the near electric field only. Based on the Schelkkunoff's equivalence principle and Raleigh-Carson reciprocity theorem, only the tangential components of the electric field over the ventilation slots and apertures of the shielding enclosure are sufficient to obtain the radiated emissions outside the shielding box if the …

An Equivalent Circuit Model For Graphene-Based Terahertz Antenna Using The Peec Method, Ying S. Cao, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang, Albert E. Ruehli

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The electromagnetic (EM) characterization of graphene under general EM environments is becoming of interest in the engineering and scientific research fields. However, its numerical modeling process is extremely cost prohibitive due to the huge contrast between its thickness and other dimensions. In this work, for the first time, the EM features of graphene are characterized by a circuit model through the partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) method. The atomically thick graphene is equivalently replaced by an impedance boundary condition. After incorporating the PEEC method, a novel surface conductivity circuit model is derived for graphene. A physical resistor and inductor are …

An Information Exchange Framework Utilizing Smart Buildings For Efficient Microgrid Operation, Jhi Young Joo, Marija D. Ilić

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we propose an information exchange framework to incorporate smart building demands into a microgrid operation. We especially focus on scheduling smart building demand along with other possibly highly uncertain microgrid generation resources a day ahead or shorter ahead of operation. Since every building demand has different energy consumption profiles and dynamics, it is inefficient for the grid operator to directly control a potentially large number of buildings. On the other hand, if the grid operator does not have sufficient information on the buildings and their resource potentials, smart buildings cannot be deployed to the full extent. Our …

Microgalvanic Corrosion Behavior Of Cu-Ag Active Braze Alloys Investigated With Skpfm, Armen Kvryan, Kari Livingston, Corey M. Efaw, Kyle Knori, Brian J. Jaques, Paul H. Davis, Darryl P. Butt, Michael F. Hurley

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The nature of microgalvanic couple driven corrosion of brazed joints was investigated. 316L stainless steel samples were joined using Cu-Ag-Ti and Cu-Ag-In-Ti braze alloys. Phase and elemental composition across each braze and parent metal interface was characterized and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) was used to map the Volta potential differences. Co-localization of SKPFM with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements enabled spatially resolved correlation of potential differences with composition and subsequent galvanic corrosion behavior. Following exposure to the aggressive solution, corrosion damage morphology was characterized to determine the mode of attack and likely initiation areas. When exposed to 0.6 …

State Estimation – New Models On Power Distribution Networks Based On Weighted Least Squares Method In Line Current Measurements, Hugo Vicente Barrera

Masters Theses

Calculation of Load Flow distribution is an important tool in Electrical Engineering that involves numerical analysis applied to Power Systems. State Estimation techniques have been developed and applied thoroughly mainly in the levels of generation and transmission. Research in the distribution level remains a challenge due to the intrinsic characteristics of the network. Introducing line current measurements in the state estimation process constitutes an additional issue due to distribution networks characteristics. In order to overcome these difficulties, it is necessary to develop mathematical models that simulate the behavior of those networks. The solution of the problem of state estimation by …

Comprehensive Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Pedestrian Countdown Signals On Road Users In Michigan, Richard Atta Boateng

Masters Theses

Pedestrian countdown signals (PCSs) are specifically designed to improve pedestrian safety at intersections. Installation of these devices may be with push buttons or without push buttons. Studies have shown that intersections where PCSs with push buttons have been installed have recorded reduction in pedestrian violation as well as reduction in the number of pedestrians trapped in the roadway. Studies have also shown that PCSs may be used by approaching drivers in the same way as other traffic signal anticipation devices such as green signal countdown (GSC). While other signal anticipation devices have been found to benefit drivers, a very limited …

Developing Standard Procedures For Structural Aspects Of Slide-In Bridges In Accelerated Bridge Construction (Abc), Ozan Utku Ridvanoglu

Masters Theses

Slide-in bridge construction (SIBC) is a special method especially used to replace an existing bridge with the minimum duration road closure. In this method, new bridge superstructure is built next to the existing one and it is slid to its final position after demolishing the existing one. Applied implementations of SIBC show that several complications are experienced during bridge slide related with surface interaction. There is a need to evaluate the structural components of SIBC to develop suggestions. In this research, structural components of SIBC were investigated. The research dealt with completed SIBC implementations and numerical modelling of the slide …

Model Based Vehicle Simulation For Electrically Actuated Transmission Test Cells, Kenneth L. Gruel

Masters Theses

The Eaton Vehicle Group is responsible for the development of a large family of automotive products, including manual and automated manual transmissions for light, medium, and heavy duty vehicles. To further expand the transmission testing capabilities at Vehicle Group headquarters, the Vehicle Simulator system was developed and integrated into an existing motor-based test cell. System development time and cost were reduced by leveraging readily available vehicle models and real-time hardware. The Vehicle Simulator system allows a user to control the speed and torque settings of the test cell motors in manual mode, or switch the motors to vehicle emulation mode. …

The Predictive Relationship Between Specific Teacher Characteristics And The Perceived Sense Of Teacher Self-Efficacy Of Non-Native English Speaking Teachers Of English As A Foreign Language In Rural Thailand, Cheri Crook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this quantitative, predictive correlational study is to investigate an often overlooked area of research, teacher self-efficacy among nonnative English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) who teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This study examines the relationship between specific teacher characteristics and perceived teacher self-efficacy among NNESTs of EFL in rural Thailand. The convenience sample in this study includes first through twelfth grade public sector NNESTs of EFL in Nan, Thailand, and represents the larger population of Northern Thai NNESTs of EFL. Data were collected from the sample via a combined Thai-language version of the paper-based Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy …

Effect Of The Use Of Natural Gas-Diesel Fuel Mixture On Performance, Emissions And Combustion Characteristics Of A Compression-Ignition Engine, Y. Karagoz, T. Sandalci, Ümit Özgür Köylü, A. S. Dalkilic, S. Wongwises

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Optical Nonlocality Induced Zitterbewegung Near The Dirac Point In Metal-Dielectric Multilayer Metamaterials, L. Sun, Jie Gao, Xiaodong Yang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Effectiveness Of Radar Speed Display Signs In A University Environment, Michael R. Williamson, Ryan N. Fries, Huaguo Zhou

SIUE Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Vehicular speeds are of particular interest in areas with a high number of pedestrians due to the fact that 14-percent of all fatal crashes involve pedestrians. This study investigated the effect of a radar speed display sign placed for an extended period of time, at a location frequented by law enforcement on a road segment entering a university campus with a high number of pedestrians and vehicle speed violations. The statistical analysis included a comparison between AM peak, PM peak, and midday speeds collected one year apart. The data suggested that radar speed display signs can remain effective over a …

Wet Grain Delivery Advice: A Previously Impossible Extension Challenge Solved Through App Technology, Joseph S. Dvorak, Sam Mcneill, Clint Hardy

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The delivery of wet grain during harvest is a complex and constantly changing problem about which Extension professionals have been unable to offer more than general advice. By capitalizing on important characteristics of mobile devices, a new app enables producers to fully benefit from detailed information universities have generated on grain drying and costs associated with delivery of grain to different locales. Development of such an app demonstrates the power of apps and mobile devices in allowing Extension to deliver previously unattainable services to its clientele.

Education For Sustainable Development- The Irish Construction Sector And The Need For A Sustainable Approach, Conor Mcmanus

Masters

This study explores the path to be taken towards achieving Sustainable Development. It examines the impact the construction industry has on the environment as a result of a knowledge and skills gap and considers how our present way of thinking facilitates this. It then goes on to show how a change in construction education can bring about change in the industry and facilitate the implementation of sustainable development. The study examines how the singular emphasis on technology, the introduction of the ‘expert’ into the domestic building process and the narrow focus on operational energy conservation raises questions about Ireland's present …

A Preliminary Study Of The Relationship Between Complexity, Motivation, And Design Quality., Philip John Mountain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This collection of work comprises a preliminary study of the relationships between product complexity, design motivation, and design quality. Complexity, as it relates to the design process, is largely undefined and there exists no generally accepted method of measurement. This study applies an independent data set to a complexity measurement technique and develops complexity measurements at the pre and post design stages. Pre design is considered when design ideas are in formation and customer needs are being addressed. Post design is considered when a functional prototype is realized, manufacturing and assembly processes have been considered, and the product design is …

The Role Of Poly(Acrylic Acid) In Conventional Glass Polyalkenoate Cements, Adel M.F. Alhalawani, Declan J. Curran, Daniel Boyd, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) have been used in dentistry for over 40 years. These novel bioactive materials are the result of a reaction between a finely ground glass (base) and a polymer (acid), usually poly (acrylic acid) (PAA), in the presence of water. This article reviews the types of PAA used as reagents (including how they vary by molar mass, molecular weight, concentration, polydispersity and content) and the way that they control the properties of the conventional GPCs (CGPCs) formulated from them. The article also considers the effect of PAA on the clinical performance of CGPCs, including biocompatibility, rheological and …

Impact Of Image Resolution On Pavement Distress Detection Using Picucha Methodology, Reus Salini, Bugao Xu, Mena I. Souliman

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

An accurate and regular survey of the road surface distresses is a key factor for pavement rehabilitation design and management, allowing public managers to maximize the value of the continuously limited budgets for road improvements and maintenance. Manual pavement distress surveys are labor-intensive, expensive and unsafe for highly-trafficked highways. Over the years, automated surveys using various hardware devices have been developed and improved for pavement field data collection to solve the problems associated with manual surveys. However, the reliable distress detection software and the data analysis remain challenging. This study focused on the analysis of a newly-developed pavement distress classification …

A Fast Time-Domain Em-Tcad Coupled Simulation Framework Via Matrix Exponential With Stiffness Reduction, Quan Chen, Wim Schoenmaker, Shih Hung Weng, Chung Kuan Cheng, Guan Hua Chen, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang, Ngai Wong

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We present a fast time-domain multiphysics simulation framework that combines full-wave electromagnetism (EM) and carrier transport in semiconductor devices (technology computer-aided design (TCAD)) for radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal modules. The proposed framework features a division of linear and nonlinear components in the EM-TCAD coupled system. The linear portion is extracted and handled independently with high efficiency by a matrix exponential approach assisted with Krylov subspace method. The nonlinear component is treated by ordinary Newton's method yet with a much sparser Jacobian matrix that leads to substantial speedup in solving the linear system of equations. More convenient error management and …

Preliminary Design Guidelines For Poraver-Based Lightweight Concrete, Marlow Stanton

Civil and Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research project investigated lightweight Portland cement concrete batching procedures and developed guidelines for designing Poraver-based mixes. Lightweight concrete has a variety of applications, from structural fills to structural members. The study was completed in two stages: Stage 1 was a pilot study serving to confirm whether the ACI211.2-98 Volumetric Method was appropriate for Poraver-based lightweight concrete. Additionally, Stage 1 examined the range of outcomes possible with a large combination of test mixes and explored handling techniques for presoaked aggregate. Stage 2 focused on confirming the linear relationship of cement content and compressive strength through a large quantity of test …

Performance Implications Of Bicycle Specific Treatments At Signalized Intersections, Andrew Kading

Civil and Environmental Engineering Master's Project Reports

A rise in cycling nationwide has brought an increased awareness of bicycle specific safety concerns, particularly right-hook crashes at signalized intersections. There are several common and emerging signal timing strategies that are can be used to improve the safety and efficiency of traffic signals for people on bicycles, including the Leading Bicycle Intervals (LBI), Split LBI, and Exclusive Bicycle Phasing (EBP). The leading and split bicycle intervals provide a head start for bicycles in advance of concurrent and conflicting motor vehicle movements, typically about 3-5 seconds. The EBP provides an interval only when bicycles are moving. To examine the performance …

Examining American Attitudes On The Use Of Military Drones, Todd Brandon

Political Science Theses and Capstones

Recent polls have revealed that Americans of both the political left and right support the use of military drones. This statement stands true among groups who traditionally do not support the use of military force. I hypothesize that people of a more liberal persuasion will be more concerned with whether or not the drone program endangers innocent civilians, while those of a more conservative view will be more concerned with the legality of conducting military drone strikes. I analyze data obtained from the Pew Research Center to examine people's attitudes on military drone strikes via framing theory. My hypothesis has …

Research: South Dakota State University, Spring 2016, Christie Delfanian, Emily Weber

State of Discovery South Dakota State University's Research Magazine

CONTENTS:

Genome Researcher investigate impact of L1 jumping genes [Page] 2
CRP funds important resource for hunters [Page] 3
Nurse-researchers help health-care facilities develop, improve tobacco-free policies [Page] 3
MS: Exercise scientist improves movement, quality of life for MS patients [Page] 5
Plant scientists defend South Dakota crops against diseases [Plant] 7
Investigating influenza D virus earns doctoral student scholarship [Page] 9
Steel shavings trap phosphorous, protecting water quality [Page] 10

Analysis Of Pedestrian And Bicycle Crashes In Michigan, Ahmed Abbas Ghubin Al-Zubaidi

Masters Theses

Vulnerable road users such as pedestrian and bicyclists are more likely to sustain a severe injury when they are involved in a crash with motor vehicles. Identifying the causes of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists is essential to reducing the number and the severity of such crashes. This study identified the causes and risk behaviors associated with pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Michigan by reviewing selected individual crash report (i.e., UD-10). Crash reports for all pedestrian and bicycle fatal crashes (K) and a sample of incapacitating injury crashes (A) from 2010 to 2014 were reviewed and typed individually using the …

Oscillatory Flow Mechanism For Enhanced Heat Transfer, Sultan Taher Raml

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This research project is about the use of an oscillatory flow mechanism to enhance heat transfer. The idea behind this is to induce oscillation of the end wall of one of two connected chambers of a heat exchanger which effectively will induce oscillation of the boundary layer within the connecting duct. The main idea of this thesis came from using species separation studies before 40 years ago in hyperventilation technology to help patients under anesthesia in hospitals. There are many applications for this research such as removing heat from chemical reactors, electrical devices and other enclosed environments such as submarines, …

Improving Damage Tolerance Of Composite Sandwich Structures Subjected To Low Velocity Impact Loading: Experimental And Numerical Analysis, Ravi B. Gondaliya

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Sandwich structures with composite facing skins have seen applications in variety of sectors including aerospace and automobile, owing to their high specific mechanical properties. However, there is a need to develop better damage tolerant sandwich structures since conventional composite facing skins exhibit low impact resistance in the transverse direction. Here, composite skin sandwich structures with three different impact resistant core materials were fabricated and tested both experimentally and numerically. Neat CFRP and 2024-T3 aluminum alloy sheets were also investigated. Cores utilizing impact resistant D3O® were found to have very favorable weight specific energy absorbing properties at higher impact velocities as …

Model And Control Development Of Hybrid Fuel Cell And Battery Power System For Uas (Quadcopter), Mohammad Biswas

Faculty Posters

This poster was presented during the UT Tyler Faculty Research Poster Showcase 2016.